Donor sought

Tilton police officer in desperate need of kidney

TILTON - Police say they are "desperately" asking for the public's help in saving the life of one of their own.

Tilton Police Cpl. Nate Morrison found out recently that he was born with one kidney instead of two, and that his one kidney is failing, said Police Chief Robert Cormier.

"The doctors said he needs a kidney transplant quick," Cormier said.

Morrison, a Laconia High graduate who has been with the department for 14 years, first discovered the problem during a physical last summer, but only learned of the urgency of the problem in recent weeks, he said.

Doctors told Morrison his condition was so bad that he can't wait with others on a kidney transplant list, advising him he needs a direct donor - someone willing to donate a kidney to him within the coming days and weeks.

Morrison's fellow officers and staff members have begun a "Help for Nate" campaign to make it easy for people who want to donate a kidney or money to help Morrison. They have set up a web page, www.helpfornate.org with more information about donating, said Det. Matt Dawson.

Kidney donors for Morrison have to be type O blood, must be between the ages of 21 and 60, and have no significant health issues. Potential donors will be questioned carefully to assure a good fit, starting with a pre-screening phone interview and then a blood test, Cormier said.

The police also want to raise money, Dawson said, as both Morrison and his donor will not be able to work for several weeks after the process.

"Basically, we need to raise enough for pay checks for both people during and after surgery," Dawson said.

Donations can be made in Morrison's name to Northway Bank, 5 Market St., Tilton. Word has already spread fast in town about Morrison's case.

The webpage set up for him crashed a few times as soon as it went online Friday. And family and friends of law enforcement in the area have already stepped forward.

"We've already had 36 people who want to donate a kidney for Nate this morning," he said. "But we need more, we don't know yet whether we have a match for him."

Meanwhile, the town's senior center has announced with will be holding a breakfast to benefit him at the Applebee's in Tilton from 8 to 10 a.m. on April 6.

There was no question Morrison's fellow officers and department staff would come to his aid, Dawson said.

"It's a time of need, this is where the (police) 'brotherhood' concept all starts," he said.

"Nate is a member of our family and a great police officer who has dedicated his life to protecting others," Cormier said. "Now we are desperately asking the publics help to help us find a donor for him."